Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1908-1958
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‡IMPER, v., n. [′ɪmpər]
I. v. 1. To make a slight cursory remark, to murmur, make a low sound (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.). Gen. with neg.Sh. 1958:
He never impered — made a sound of pain.
2. To hint at, venture, be so bold as.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Dey never could imper to geng to the haf . . . on sicc . . . a bad day.Sh. 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 151:
I widna imper ta ax sic a thing.
II. n. A low sound, murmur, cursory remark; gen. with neg. (Jak.).Sh.13 1958:
Dey wir never an imper fae him wi aa da pain.
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"Imper v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/imper>
